An 85-foot well provides water, which is treated and piped to most homes and the school. The school, clinic, and over 40% of homes use individual septic tanks and have complete plumbing. A 10,000-gallon community septic tank allows for piped sewage collection to part of the village. Funds have been requested to connect the 20 remaining homes using septic tanks to the piped sewer system, due to effluent ponding. The community also needs a washeteria and watering point. Refuse is burned or buried at a new landfill located between Kalskag and Lower Kalskag. Electricity is provided by AVEC.

Tax Problems

The utility has a system to accurately calculate, track, and report payroll tax liabilities.

Yes

The utility is current on filing tax reports.

Yes

The utility is current on making tax deposits.

N/A

If there are any past due tax liabilities or recorded tax liens, a lien release has been issued or a repayment agreement has been signed and repayments are current.

Tax Problems Comments

On October 1, 2012 the IRS stated that The City of Lower Kalskag is current on federal taxes. The state Department of Labor (DOL) was contacted on September 24, 2012. DOL stated that Lower Kalskag is current on their Employment Security Contributions account. Lower Kalskag is not on the Lien Watch dated July-August 2012. This tax information pertains to the management of the utility only.

Personnel System

Essential Indicators

Answer

Question

Yes

The utility has a posted workers compensation insurance policy in effect.

Sustainable Indicators

Answer

Question

Yes

The utility has adopted and uses a Personnel Policy, which has been reviewed by an attorney, AML or Commerce for topics and language.

Yes

The utility has adequate written job descriptions for all positions.

Yes

The utility has adopted and follows a written personnel evaluation process that ties the job description to the evaluation.

Yes

The utility has an adequate written hiring process.

Yes

The utility has personnel folders on every employee that contain at least: I-9, Job Application and Letter of Acceptance.

Yes

The utility has a probationary period for new hires that includes orientation, job training/oversight, and evaluations.

Yes

The utility provides training opportunities to staff as needed and available.

Personnel System Comments

The utility has a worker's compensation insurance policy through Alaska Municipal League Joint Insurance Association Inc. for the period from 7/01/2012 through 7/01/2013. The insurance covers all employees of ARUC including the operators in Lower Kalskag.
Alaska Rural Utilities Collaborative provides full management and operation services to Lower Kalskag's water and sewer system.

Organizational Management

Essential Indicators

Answer

Question

Yes

The entity that owns the utility is known; the entity that will operate the utility is set.

Yes

The policy making body is active in policy making of the utility.

Yes

The policy making body enforces utility policy.

Yes

The utility has an adequately trained manager.

Yes

The utility has an adequately trained bookkeeper.

Yes

The utility has an adequately trained operator or operators.

Yes

The utility has adopted the necessary ordinances (or rules and regulations) necessary to give it the authority to operate.

Sustainable Indicators

Answer

Question

Yes

The utility has adopted an organizational chart that reflects the current structure.